FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

RECREATIONAL PILOT PERMIT (RPP)

How much does it cost?

Based on Transport Canada minimum requirements (25 hours of flying), the cost is approximately $7,310 CAD. The average time in Canada to complete the RPP training is between 35-40 hours which would increase the total cost to approximately $9,600 CAD. The more often you fly, the less review will be required and the less time and money it will take.

How long will it take to complete the training?

If you fly full time (at least three training flights per week), it should take approximately 2.5 months. If you fly part time (one training flight per week), it should take approximately 6 months.

How old do I need to be?

You can be issued your Student Pilot Permit (SPP) at the age of 14 years to fly solo under supervision from your flight instructor, but you must be at least 16 years of age to be issued your Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) in Canada.

What is the difference between a RPP and a PPL?

With a Recreational Pilot Permit (RPP) you are restricted to flying an aircraft with a maximum of four (4) seats with no more than one passenger on board during daylight, VFR conditions in Canada only (no cross border flights are permitted).

With a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) you are able to achieve additional ratings such as the Night Rating for flying at night, the VFR Over-The-Top Rating for flying above cloud, the Instrument Rating for flying in cloud or the Multi-Engine Rating for flying aircraft with more than one engine. You are also permitted to carry as many passengers are there are seats in the aircraft instead of being limited to carrying only one passenger with the RPP.